Family: Earthy - Moss
Note: Base
Our Concentration: 15%
Below you will find our offerings that allow you to experience the oakmoss note in isolation. You can then use it to create your own custom perfume.
Forest Bathing Kit (available June 2025)
What is Oakmoss?
Oakmoss, a beloved and grounding note in the world of fragrance, embodies the essence of nature with its deep, earthy aroma. This versatile ingredient is cherished for its ability to add depth and complexity to perfumes, making it a cornerstone in many iconic compositions.
Oakmoss is a type of lichen (Evernia prunastri) that primarily grows on the bark of oak trees, as well as other deciduous trees. Found predominantly in the forests of Europe, especially in countries like France and the Balkans, oakmoss is harvested and processed to produce an aromatic material widely used in perfumery.
Its scent profile is complex and multifaceted, featuring earthy, woody, and slightly green notes with a subtle leathery undertone. Oakmoss serves as a key ingredient in chypre and fougère fragrances, offering a rich base that enhances the longevity and character of a perfume.
Exoteric Properties
Oakmoss is prized for its grounding and enveloping qualities, which have been found to:
- Promote relaxation: Its earthy aroma can evoke feelings of calm and stability.
- Enhance focus: The deep, woody scent of oakmoss may help center the mind and improve concentration.
- Add richness: In perfumes, oakmoss provides a natural depth that balances and harmonizes other notes.
In perfumery, oakmoss is often paired with bergamot, patchouli, and floral notes to create sophisticated and timeless blends.
Esoteric Properties
Beyond its sensory appeal, oakmoss is associated with grounding and restorative energy. In spiritual and symbolic contexts, it is believed to:
- Foster connection to nature: Oakmoss’s earthy essence can inspire a sense of harmony with the natural world.
- Encourage stability: Its grounding properties are thought to help anchor emotions and promote inner balance.
- Symbolize resilience: As a lichen that thrives in diverse environments, oakmoss represents adaptability and strength.
Chemistry of Oakmoss
The distinctive aroma of oakmoss is derived from its complex chemical composition, which includes:
- Evernyl: Naturally occurs in oakmoss and offers a woody and mossy odor. A synthetic molecule by the same name is used in commercial perfumery.
- Atranol and chloroatranol: Natural components responsible for oakmoss’s earthy and slightly sweet scent. (Note: These have been restricted in modern perfumery due to potential allergenic effects.)
- Orcinyl 3: Lends a leathery, sweet and phenolic smell to oakmoss.
To comply with regulations, many modern perfumes use modified or synthetic versions of oakmoss to recreate its signature scent while ensuring safety.
Famous Fragrances
Oakmoss has been a defining note in many legendary perfumes. Here are some notable examples:
Women
- Nomade by Chloé
- Cristalle by Chanel
- Mitsouko Eau de Parfum by Guerlain
Men
- Terre d'Hermes Parfum
- Pour Monsieur by Chanel
- Beau De Jour Eau de Parfum by Tom Ford
Unisex
- Gris Dior by Dior
- Greenley by Parfums de Marly
- Sensual Instinct by Montale
- Moss by Commodity
Oakmoss remains a cornerstone of perfumery, celebrated for its earthy elegance and versatility. Whether appreciated for its exoteric grounding effects, its esoteric symbolism of resilience and harmony, or its role in the chemistry of timeless fragrances, oakmoss continues to enchant and inspire. Its enduring presence in perfumery ensures that it will remain a cherished ingredient for generations to come.
Our Oakmoss fragrance contains the following essential oils & absolutes: : Oakmoss, Bergamot, Patchouli.